Pressure regulator



` Dec. 31, 1935.

A, J. GREEN 2,026,424

PRES SURE REGULATOR Filed NOV- 19, 1932 Inventor: Aden ram d. Gre en,

His Att-,crm ey.,

Patented Dec. 3l, 1935 PATENT OFFICE PRESSURE REGULATOR Adoniram J. Green, West Caldwell, N. J., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application November 19, 1932, Serial No. 643,469 12 Claims. (Cl. 200-873) My invention relates to' improvemen-ts in pressure-regulators, more particularly to improvements in pressure-regulators having a switch mechanism therein.

It is generally an object of my invention to provide a pressure regulator of the above type in which the construction is simplied and which is capable of quick and ready assembly. It is a further object of my invention to improve the switch mechanism of the above typ-e regulator to prevent single phasing of the electric motor being controlled by obtaining simultaneously a good wiping action of the movable contacts. It is also an object of my invention to provide a pressure regulator of the above type having an unloader valve which may be operated directly.

by the switch mechanism in response to pressure variations or manually, the manual means being capable of operating both the switch mechanism and the unloader valve independently of the pressure-responsive mechanism.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention I provide a pressure regulator having a casing. In two sides of the casing apertures are provided for maintaining a contact-supporting element of the switch mechanism xedly in position and for pivotally supporting a movable portion of the switch mechanism, whereby the entire switch mechanism may be supported by the sides of the casing when assembled, thus eliminating supporting brackets, nuts and bolts. The pressureresponsive mechanism for operating the switch mechanism is supported on a third side of the casing and comprises a resilient diaphragm supported adjacent to an opening in the side of the casing through which a lever-operating mechanism extends and moves with the diaphragm. Opposing the action of the diaphragm is a spring member. A fixed member, the only one necessary within the casing, supports this spring, and a lever mechanism which is responsive to the action of the pressure-responsive diaphragm and is connected to the switch mechanism for operating the same with a snap action. This operating connection comprises a spring and pivoted lever which brings about a snap action which will be described.

The movable portion of the switch mechanism includes a movable member, carrying one or more hollow switch-arm supporting devices made of insulating material. The switch arm is not fastened to the hollow member but is'loosely inserted and maintained therein by means of a spring. Relative movement can, therefore, taire place between the switch arm and the supporting member when the switch is moved to a closed position. In action, this unique construction results in a good wiping action between the switch arm and the contacts carried by the flxed member. y The unloader'valve, which has the function of reducing the pressure in the compressor discharge piping to facilitate starting the compressor motor, is mounted on the side of the casing. An arm carried by the movable member of the switch mechanism extends through the side of the casing and operates the unloader Valve when the switch opens. A push rod is provided for manually opening the pressure switch and operating the unloader valve independently of the action of the pressure mechanism. A locking feature is provided on this push rod whereby the switch may be locked in the open position. A better understanding of my invention will be obtained by referring to the attached drawing in which Fig. 1 shows a cross section of my pressure regulator, taken through the center of Fig. 2; Fig. 2 shows an end View thereof; Fig. 3 shows a top view of my pressure regulator; Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the pressure 35 regulator; Fig. 5 shows a detailed section 'View f of a portion of the movable part of the switch mechanism; and Fig. 6 shows a view of the unloader valve partly in cross section, and the plunger for manually operating the unloader valve and pressure-operated switch.

Referring to Figs. l, 2, 3 and 4, the casing has the sides lil, lil and il, bottom l2 and is provided with a. cover il. The sides l@ and iii and bottom l2 are of one piece and are bent into a U shape when the casing is'formed. The side il and the cover il' are separate pieces. The side or side wall il and parts of the switch mechanism are maintained in place when the piece comprising the sides i6, lil and bottom l2' is formed. into the U shape to provide the casing for the pressure regulator. Apertures such as 32 and 38 (see Figs. l and 4) are provided in the sides and bottom into which portions of the side li project to maintain the side il in place. The side E i has an inwardly ared opening i2 therein. Mounted over this opening and spaced therefrom by means of the spacer id is the resilient diaphragm i5, preferably of rubber, although this may be of some other material. The diaphragm plate it is mounted over the diaphragm l5 and the spacer, diaphragm and plate are secured to the casing concentric with flared opening l2 by means of the screws il?.

,A substantially U-shaped member l@ is mounted opposite the'opening i2 within the casing and is fastened to the side H of the casing by means of screws 99 and 23, as shown in Fig. 2. This U- shaped member pivotally supports the lever 23,

, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, by means of the pivots 2i and 22. A member 5l engages the diaphragm i 5 and supports a cup-shaped member t@ by means of the pin di. This cup-shaped member, more clearly shown in Fig. 4, is provided with arms such as l2 and 32' pivotally connected to the lever 23 by means of the pivots t3 and 43. Supported within the cup-shaped member Q0 is a spring 55, the compression of which can be varied to permit operation at any desired pressure value by means` of the nut d5 supported on the screw member tlf?, having its shouldered head abutting the cross-portion of the U-shaped xed mer it. It will be observed,v therefore, that the spring file opposes movement of the diaphragm i5 to operate the lever 23 by meansof the cup-shaped memberpivoted thereto. 'I'his portion of the pressure regulator may be termed the pressure-responsive mechanism for operatf ing the switch which is mounted inthe top part 25 of the casing.

The switch comprises a ixed member supporting contacts and a movable member supporting the switch arms cooperating with the contacts. The member 33 is made of insulating material and is supported by means of the sides l0 and m' of the casing within the apertures 50 and 5I. This contact-supporting member 39 is provided .with partitions 39 for separating the supporting member into compartments as is clearly shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4. 'Ihe contact-supporting elements 38 are U-shaped and are fastened to the contact support by means of screws. These contact-supporting members have fastened thereto the contacts 38.

switch mechanism. AThe casing is then held tof gether by means of the assembly bolt 52 and nut 53. 'I'his eliminates extra supports in the casing. The movable frame v28 has fastened there to by means of screws.V such as 35, the hollow switchfarm supporting members 33 and 3d which are of insulating material. These members are identical.

Referring to Fig. 5,'it will be observed that the switch armD 3l having a contact 3l thereonis loosely inserted within the hollow member 33 and maintained therein by means of a torsion spring 3l cooperating with the depression331 in the hollow member and the small opening 3i' in the switch arm. 'Ihe portion 33' has therein the opening 371 for permitting insertion of the screw 35, whereby the hollow'member may be maintained iixedly upon the frame 28. The frame 23 has extending therefrom the arm 36 which protrudes through'a curved aperture in the side til of the casing to engage the unloader valve mechanism.

-The movable` frame 28 carrying the switch arms 3l and 32 is moved to engage and disengage the switch arms from the contacts upon movement of the lever 23 through the agency of the U-shaped/member 26 pivoted to the upper end 2t of the lever 23 and the over-center spring 2l connecting the member 23 and the frame 28. The spring 2l engages in the small opening 28 in the frame 28, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. The detailed operation of theswitch by the lever mechanism in response-to movement of the diaphragm i5 will be described in detail below.

The unloader valve, shown in Fig. 6, is mounted 5 on the side i0' of the casing. It includes the brackets 5t and 55 which are fastened to the side of the casing i' by means of screws 56. The bracket 5&1 has an arm 57 thereon pivotally supporting the lever 5S. The valve proper is sup- 10 ported by bracket 56 by means of the nuts 59 and 55' 'which engage the threaded extension Citl of the valve. The valve proper has an inlet Si thereto and an outlet t2. The piston A63 is biased to closed position by means of the spring 15 5t which is held in place by a screw 66 having an opening therethrough. The piston is moved by means of a rod 65 connected therewith whenever lever 58 is depressed. This may be done by means of the projecting arm 36 mounted on the 20 frame of the switch mechanism or by means of the manually operated plunger 66. This plunger is maintained biased in an upward position by means of the spring 6l acting against the pin 68 carried by the plunger. When the plunger 25 66 is depressed, it engages both the arm 36 and the lever 58 to open the switch and to operate the valve. The pin 63 carried by the plunger 66 cooperates with a portion of the frame 55 having the slot 69 therein. It will be observed that if 30 the plunger 66 is depressed and rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, that the pin 68 will engage the horizontal portion of the slot 69 and maintain the plunger in the depressed position against the bias of the spring 68. 35

The detailed operation of my pressure regulator follows: Assuming the parts to be in the position shown in Fig. l, which shows the switch in closed position, an increase in pressure on the diaphragm i5 on the side opposite from the cup- 40 shaped member will force the `members 3l, cupshaped member it having the arms 132 and 52 thereon, to the left against the compression in the spring 616. This will rotate the lever 23 about its pivots 2i and 22 in a counter-clockwise direc- 45 tion. As it does so, the pivot point of the U- shaped member 2S supported in the arms 25 and 25 carried by the lever 23 will be moved to the left, forcing the end of the U-shaped member down and increasing the tension in the spring 50 2l. The tension in the spring 2l willbe increased as the member 25 approaches a plane parallel to that of the spring. When the pivot point of the U-shaped member 23 has passed to the left of the Aparallel plane due to the tendency of the spring 55 to shift or move to relieve the tension therein, it will cause rotation of the frame 28 'about its pivots 23 and 3U in a clockwise direction to disengage the switch arms from the stationary contacts with a snap action. As it does so, the arm 36 60 carried by the frame 23 will engage the lever 58 to operate the piston rod 65 to open the valve so that the compressor being controlled can exV haust to atmosphere. As the pressure in the storage tank decreases, the pressure on the diaphragm i5 will decrease permitting it to move to the right under the action of the spring 36. The lever is rotated in a clockwise direction and the spring is again put under increased tension until .m the member 26 passes to the right of the parallel plane, passing through the U-shaped member and the spring. The spring' will then rotate the frame member 28 in a counter-clockwise direction to close the switch members 3i and 32 75 on the contacts 38, the member 26 being limited in its movement by the stop 26.

It will be observed that as the switch arms carrying the contacts 3l engage the contacts 38 carried by the stationary contact-carrying member, a wiping action will `result since the relative movement between vthe switch carrying hollow members 33 and the switch arm 3| is permitted due to the loose connection between these two members, the frame moving the hollow members past the point at which the contacts on the switch members and the stationary contacts engage. The angular displacement of frame 28 about pivots 29 and 30 is limited to the amount'necessary for desired action by properly proportioned projections 80 and 8| of frame 28 engaging with part Il of the casing.

It will further be observed that the action thus described of increased tension in the spring 2l during the operating sequence prevents a decrease of contact pressure between contacts 31 and 38 while they engage each other.

The operation of the manually operated plunger for opening the switch and operating the unloader valve was described above.

It will be observed that by means of my construction I have eliminated a number of parts heretofore considered necessary in connection with the mechanism between the diaphragm and the switch mechanism. I have also simplied the construction and the assembly thereof, and have provided a switch of simple design insuring proper wiping when the switch is closed. In addition, I have provided a manual release for the unloader valve and the switch mechanism.

yThe embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein has been selected for the purpose of clearly setting forth the principles involved. It will be apparent, however, that the invention is susceptible of being modiiied to meet the different conditions in its use, and I, therefore, aim to cover by the appended claims all modifications within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is,-

l. A pressure regulator having a' casing, a

switch mechanism mounted within said casing, a lever operatively connected with said switch mechanism, a substantially U-shaped member fixed within said casing and pivotally supporting said lever thereon on opposite sides thereof, a diaphragm responsive to varying pressures mounted on a side of said casing, and an operating member" associated and movable with Ysaid diaphragm, said operating member having a cupshaped portion with oppositely disposed arms eX- tending therefrom and engaging said lever `adjacent its pivotal supports, and an adjustable resilient member supported by said U-shaped member and by said operating member within the cup? shaped portion thereof for opposing operation-oi said lever by said diaphragm in response to varying pressures.

2. A pressure regulator including a casing having a side wall, a diaphragm mounted on said side wall, an operating member operatively associated with said diaphragm, .a U-shaped member having a cross portion and legs secured to said side wall on opposite sides of said diaphragm, a compression spring one end of which is supported by said cross portion and the opposite end of which is supported by said operating member, circuit control means, a lever movable between predetermined positions to operate said control means to open and close a circuit, and means connecting said lever to said U-shaped member and to said operating member whereby said lever is moved between said predetermined positions by said diaphragm and said compression spring.

3. A pressure regulating mechanism including a casing having sides with oppositely disposed apertures therein, a member carrying contacts adapted to be inserted within said apertures to be supported within said casing, a switch'arm lmounted in the sides of said casing and co-A operating with the contacts on said member, a lever mechanism mounted on another side of said casing' within said casing and having'connections to said switch arm for producing snap action of the same, and means responsive to pres- Sure conditions for operating said lever mechanism to move said switch arm, said switch arm includingv a hollow member formed of insulating material, a switch element carrying contacts movably mounted in said hollow member and insulated thereby from said lever mechanism, and a spring for resiliently maintaining said switch element within said hollow member at one side thereof and providing for relative movement between said switch element and said hollow member when said switch element is closed upon the contacts carried by said contact carrying member.

4. In a. pressure operated switch mechanism, a contact-supporting member having compartments thereon, pairs of contacts on said member mounted in said compartments, hollow support members formed of insulating material, switch arms resiliently mounted in said hollow members and cooperating with said contacts for bridging each pair of contacts, and means for operating said hollow members to engage and disengage simultaneously said switch arms from said contacts, said resilient mounting of said switch arms insuring a wiping action as said contacts are engaged and disengaged.

5. In a. pressure operated switch mechanism, a member having a pair of contacts thereon, a movable member mounted in said casing, a hollow switch-arm support of insulating material carried by said movable member, a switch arm loosely mounted in said hollow member and resiliently retained therein, whereby said switch arm and hollow member may have relative movement, said switch arm having movable contacts cooperating with the contacts carried by said iirst member for bridging said contacts when said switch arm is moved into engagement therewith, the contacts on said switch arm providing a wiping action when moved into and out of engagement with said pair of contacts and means for operating said movable member carrying said hollow member and said movable contacts into and out of engagement with said pair of contacts.

6, In a pressure-regulating device having a casing, a member supported by opposite sides of said casing and carrying pairs ci contacts thereon, said member having ribs between each of said pairs of contacts and said sides of said casing, a movable member, hollow switch-arm supporting members formed of insulating material and mounted thereon, switch elements resiliently retained within said hollow members, a lever mounted in said casing and operatively a:sociat ed with said movable member, pressure-responsive means car'ried by said casing and operatively connected with said 'lever for moving said switch elements into contact with said pairs of contacts to bridge said contacts and out of contact therewith, and resilient means for opposing operation of said lever by said pressure-responsive m when said pressure responsive means moves in response to pressure variations, said hollow members electrically insulating said pressure-responsive means from said switch elements.

7. A pressure regulator mechanism having a casing including a single U-shaped portion providing oppositely disposed sides and a bottom for said casing, said sides having oppositely disposed apertures therein, a member carrying contacts and a movable switch member cooperating therewith adapted to j be inserted within said apertures and supported by said sides when said sides are sprung to permit insertion of said members within said apertures, said sides and bottom having other apertures and a third side supl ported in said other apertures and supporting a pressure-responsive mechanism for operating said movable switch member to engage and disengage the contacts carried by said contact-carrying member.

8. A switch mechanism including a xed member having contacts thereon, 'a hollow member formed of insulating material, movable means supporting said hollow member, a switch arm having contacts thereon loosely mounted in said hollow member, a torsion spring within said hollow member, one end of said spring being mechanically interlocked withsaid hollow member and the opposite end' of said spring being mechanically interlocked with said switch arm to retain said switch arm within said hollow member, said hollow member being formed to provide relative movement between said switch arm and said hollow member whenl said switch arm is closed upon the contacts carried by said contactvcarrying member,

9. in a pressure regulating device having a casing, a member formed oi insulating material supported by opposite sides of said casing and carrying pairs of contacts thereon, said member having ribs between each of said pairs of contacts and between saidy contacts and said sides of said casing, a movable member supported by said sides, hollow supporting members formed of insulating material and mounted on said movableV member intermediate each pair of said contacts, a switch element arranged to nest within each of said hollow supporting members and having a contact portion for bridging a pair of said contacts, resilient means in each of lsaid hollow supporting members retaining each switch element in said nesting relation and-providing for a wiping action between said contact portion and said pair of contacts, a. lever operable between said hollow supporting members and resilient means connected to said movable member and to said lever for operating said switch elements with a snap action into and out of engagement with said pairs of contacts, said hollow supporting members electrically insulating said elements one from the other and from said resilient means and said lever.

10, A pressure regulating device comprising a casing, a movable switch member pivotally sup- .ported by opposite sides of said casing, a pair of hollow supporting members formed of insulating material and secured in spaced relation to said movable member, a pair of bridging contact members provided with shanks arranged to nest respectively within said hollow supporting memaoaaeae its associated hollow member and the other end of said spring being mechanically vinterlor'zkedl with its associated bridging member to retain said bridging members within said hollow members and to provide for relative movement of said 5 bridging members with respect to said hollow members, two pairsof stationary contacts supported from said sides of said casing adjacent to said bridging members, a switch operating lever movable between said pair of hollow members and l an over-center spring connected at one end to said movable "member and at its opposite end to said operating lever to operate in response to movement of said lever', said hollow members with a snap action into and out of engagement l with said stationary contacts, said hollow members electrically insulating said bridging contact members from said switch lever, said movable member and said over-center spring.

1l. In combination, a pressure regulating de- 20 vice provided with a casing and a diaphragm mounted on one wall of the casing, of a U-shaped member, the respective legs of which are secured i to said wall on opposite sides of said diaphragm,

an adjustable compression spring one end of which is supported by said U-shaped member, a cup-shaped member supporting the opposite end of said compression spring and biased by said compression spring against said diaphragm, a switch operating lever pivotally supported by saidl legs oi said U-shaped member, connections between said cup-shaped member and said operating lever for moving said lever between predetermined positions in response to movements of said cup-shaped member by said diaphragm and said spring, a pivoted switch member supported by said casing, a'pair of hollow support members formed of insulating material mounted on said pivoted member and extending on opposite sides of said switch member and between said prede- 40 termined positions of said operating lever, a pair of bridging4 contacts mounted in said hollow members, torsion springs mounted within said hollow members ior retaining said bridging mem-L bers within said hollow members and providing for relative movement of said bridging members with respect to said hollow members, and a resilient operating connection between said switch member and said pivoted member for operating said hollow members between open and closed circuit positions.

' l2. A pressure regulator comprising a U-shaped member forming side walls and a bottom wall of a casing, a removable side wall vinterconnected with said U-shaped member, two pairs of stationary contacts, a stationary member formed of insulating material for supporting said pairs of contacts, said side walls being provided with apertures for supporting the ends of said stationary, member, a switch member pivotally mounted on said side walls, hollow supports formed of insulating material secured to said switch member in spaced relation with each other, bridging contact members extending substantially at right angles to said pivoted member and o nesting within said hollow supports, torsion springs resiliently retaining said bridging members within said hollow supports and providing for relative movement of said bridging members with respect to said supports, a switch operating lever provided with an extension movable between said hollow supports, resilient means interconnecting said switch member and4 said operating lever, a U-shaped member secured to said @,oaefsm. 5

removable side wall and pivotally supporting said switch lever, a, cup-shaped member pivotally secured to said switch operating ever, a pressure responsive diaphragm mounted on said remov able wall for moving said cup-shaped member and s'aid lever from one position to a second position to Acause operation of said bridging contact member and said lever 5 

